Impulse vs Wave
How do the Impulse and Wave compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Impulse 
Wave | Impulse | Wave | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 13.1 ft4.00 m | 13.0 ft3.96 m |
| Waterline length | —— | 12.5 ft3.80 m |
| Beam | 4.9 ft1.51 m | 7.0 ft2.13 m |
| Draft | 2.0 ft0.61 m | 0.9 ft0.28 m |
| Displacement | 104 lb47 kg | 245 lb111 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 83 ft²7.7 m² | 95 ft²8.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 60.05 | 38.82 |
| Displacement / Length | — | 56 |
| Comfort ratio | — | 2.2 |
| Capsize screening | 4.20 | 4.47 |
| Hull speed (kn) | — | 4.7 |
Impulse vs Wave: the short version
- The Impulse and Wave are close in length (13.1 ft4.00 m vs 13.0 ft3.96 m ).
- The Wave is heavier, displacing about 136% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Impulse carries the more powerful rig (60.0 vs 38.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- By the capsize screening formula the Impulse rates better for offshore work (4.20 vs 4.47).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.